Contextualization

The Portuguese language is rich and complex, full of rules and strategies to connect ideas in ways that make sense to us. One of these strategies refers to the use of phrases and sentences. In order to communicate effectively and fully understand texts and speeches, it is essential to understand the mechanisms for constructing sentences and phrases, as well as the connection between the words in them.

In this context, the concept of a sentence arises, which in grammar means a set of words that form a complete thought. A sentence can be made up of a single word, a clause, or even more than one clause. A clause is made up of a subject and a predicate, which can manifest themselves in various ways, such as a simple, compound, or indeterminate subject, among others, and a verbal, nominal, or verb-nominal predicate. The clause is considered the smallest unit of meaning that forms a period.

When we refer to the connection between words, we are talking about textual cohesion, the set of linguistic resources that enable the connection between the various elements of a text. These cohesive bonds can be established within the same sentence, clause, or period and are essential for understanding and interpreting texts.

Introduction

Understanding these concepts is important not only to improve our writing skills, but also to enhance our ability to read, interpret, and understand texts. Understanding how words are connected in phrases and sentences, as well as the structures and rules that govern this connection, enables us to understand more complex ideas and arguments, which are often presented in our academic and professional lives.

In addition, the ability to identify and understand the nuances of a phrase or sentence can be useful in a variety of fields and disciplines. In history, for example, understanding how sentences and phrases are structured can aid in the interpretation of historical texts. In science, the ability to write clearly and effectively is fundamental to explaining complex concepts and presenting findings. Thus, it is a multidisciplinary concept and, as such, useful in various aspects of students' lives.

Throughout this project, you will explore the theme “Connection between words: Phrase and Sentence”, and for this, in addition to the teaching material provided in the classroom, I suggest some resources:

• The book "Portuguese Grammar", by Pasquale Cipro Neto and Ulisses Infante, which presents a comprehensive approach to sentences and clauses.
• The website "BrasilEscola", where you can find a series of articles on sentences, periods, and the use of connectives.
• The YouTube channel "Professora Suzana", with explanatory classes on sentences, clauses, and periods.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: The Magic of Words: Building Meaning and Communication

Project Objective

This project aims to analyze, understand, and apply the concepts of sentence, clause, and connections between words by creating and presenting a short play written by the students themselves. Students should use the knowledge gained to develop the script and dialogues of the play, where the concepts studied will be explored in a playful and practical way. In addition, interdisciplinarity will be worked on, since students will study the fundamentals of dramaturgy and staging for the performance of the play.

Detailed Project Description

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5 people, will be prompted to create a short script for a play whose theme will be "The World of Words". Based on this script, students should explore the concepts of sentence, clause, simple and compound periods, textual cohesion, and connectives.

When writing the script and dialogues, students should pay attention to the following points:

• Use compound periods by coordination without using connectives.
• Explore different types of subjects and predicates.
• Use resources of referential cohesion (name and pronouns), semantic resources of synonymy, antonymy, and homonymy.
• Represent different voices (direct and indirect speech) in certain parts of the script.

Materials Needed

• Textbooks and study materials on grammar.
• Paper and pens for creating the script.
• Equipment necessary for rehearsing and presenting the play (for example, a stage or open space, costumes, props, etc.).

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. Study the theory related to the construction of phrases and sentences, as well as the resources of textual cohesion.
2. Conduct a bibliographic research on the subject.
3. Create a short script for the play, always paying attention to the grammatical topics that must be addressed (listed in the project description).
4. Write the dialogues of the play so that they meet the grammatical requirements.
5. Conduct rehearsals until the play is ready to be presented.
6. Present the play to the class, either in person or virtually.
7. Write a report according to the established criteria.

Project Deliverables and How They Connect to the Activities

Students will deliver three products at the end of the project: The play's script, a recording of the presentation (or perform the play in person), and a final report.

• The script will be the physical expression of the acquired knowledge about the formation of sentences, clauses, and the connection between words. It will be the direct result of the bibliographic research and studies conducted by the students.

• The presentation of the play will be an opportunity for students to put their communication, creativity, and teamwork skills into practice. It will also be the occasion for them to demonstrate their understanding of the subject in a practical and fun way.

• The final report will be essential for students to be able to reflect on the entire process. In it, they must describe the steps that were taken from the initial theoretical study to the presentation of the play. The main topics to be addressed in the report are: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography. It is important for students to explain the script creation processes, the strategies used to incorporate each grammatical aspect, the difficulties encountered and how they were overcome, and the lessons learned during the process.